Wahab, 96, was under treatment in a private hospital in Lahore. He was admitted to the hospital five days ago owing to his deteriorated health where doctors declared his condition critical.

His funeral prayers were offered at Ijtimah Gaah of Tableeghi Markaz and he was laid to rest in the Raiwind graveyard. Thousands of people attended the funeral prayer, led by Maulana Nazurul Rehman. Before the funeral prayer, Maulana Tariq Jameel delivered a sermon.

In Karachi, all flights for Lahore were full and the PIA announced sending a special flight to Lahore. However, a large number of people could not find any seat.

Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief and sorrow over Haji Wahab’s demise. He offered his condolences to the bereaved family, and said Haji Wahab’s services as a religious scholar will always be remembered.

He said Haji Abdul Wahab rendered innumerable services towards the preaching and spread of Islam’s message. He recalled that the TJ leader always based his preaching on Islam’s message of peace, and had proved through his conduct that sentiments of peace and love can bring lasting changes in the mindset and character of a person.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, President Dr Arif Alvi also extended heartfelt condolences towards the grieving family. In a statement, the president said the services of late Haji Abdul Wahab for Islam would be remembered forever.

Various PML-N leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, Hamza Shahbaz, Amir Muqam and Marriyum Aurangzeb offered their condolences to the family of the deceased and acknowledged the ameer’s contributions to religious affairs.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq said that Haji Wahab spent his entire life in the service of Islam. “His services in trying to spread Islam are irreplaceable,” the JI chief added.

Haji Wahab, born in New Delhi in 1923, was the third ameer of the Jamaat. Before independence in 1947, he worked as Tehsildar (tax officer) in Delhi.

He graduated from Islamia College Lahore. Later, he left his job and joined the Tableeghi Jamaat in 1944.

Based in Jamaat Markaz in Raiwind, he was head of Shura (council) as well as a member of the movement’s Aalmi Shura (World Council) based in Nizamuddin, Delhi India.

He went on to visit every province and village of Pakistan for Tableegh with the main objective to remind the Muslims of their real purpose of life and to teach them Kalma and Namaz (prayer) at an early stage along with getting education, respecting humanity and sparing time for tableegh.